Home Remedies for Constipation
There are several good home remedies for constipation that can make you healthier and more comfortable. When you’re constipated, you usually feel out of sorts because you’re bloated, have cramping or a sensation of fullness, and you have been straining to eliminate waste with no results. The backup of fecal matter in the colon goes beyond discomfort, however. It also reduces your body’s ability to flush away waste and toxins that can be reabsorbed by your blood stream. You need to successfully treat constipation as quickly as possible for optimal health.
There are several causes of constipation, including not drinking enough fluids, eating a diet that has a lot of processed foods but very little fiber, irregular meals and stress. There are also many home remedies for constipation. Some of these will work quickly, but it is best to take a constipation remedy before bedtime so that it gently work overnight.
Diet Remedies for Constipation
Eating properly is key to a healthy digestive tract and regular elimination of waste products. If you suffer from chronic or frequent constipation, try eating a pear or an apple each evening after dinner or with your breakfast in the morning. You can also drink apple or pear juice, but the fruit itself is best because you are adding fiber to your diet as well as stimulating the digestive tract. Another fruit that is a very effective laxative is Bael, but you may have to look for it; not all stores carry this tropical fruit.
If you eat 350 grams of fresh grapes each day you will also relieve constipation. If you can find fresh grapes, soak some raisins overnight and eat them after they’ve plumped up, then drink the remaining soaking water. Not only are raisins and grapes great remedies for constipation, they also cleanse the colon.
Figs or dates eaten with a glass of milk is another home remedy for constipation that many people swear by. This can be an excellent late-night snack before going to bed.
Finally, try eating a salad with vinegar and oil dressing. The salad greens will provide roughage, the vinegar stimulates digestion and the oil is a natural lubricant. It’s a powerful three pronged method of relieving constipation that also tastes delicious.
Drink Up These Home Remedies for Constipation
If you don’t have the opportunity to eat fresh fruits every day, you may occasionally need something that relieves acute constipation effectively. These remedies shouldn’t be use every day, as they are strong, but are terrific for occasional use.
Take two tablespoons of Blackstrap molasses before bed to gain relief by morning. This has a very strong taste, so you may want to stir it into some milk to make it more palatable.
You can also drink ½ cup olive oil and ½ cup of orange juice. This treatment combines a lubricating agent (the oil), with a fruit juice that stimulates and cleanses the digestive tract. Combining spinach juice and carrot juice in equal portions also makes a highly effective home remedy for constipation that you can drink before turning in at night.
Another highly effective combination is prune juice and black coffee. This potent brew will quickly stimulate your digestive system, so be careful when you drink it, as it will start to take effect within just a few hours.
Children shouldn’t be given the stronger brews for constipation, as it can be too much for their bodies. Instead, stir the juice of one whole lemon into a cup of warm water. If you like, add a touch of sugar to make it sweeter. If children drink this home remedy, their constipation will be cured overnight.
Herbal Home Remedies for Constipation
Many of the same herbs or spices that are effective for settling an upset stomach can also aid digestion and alleviate constipation. For instance, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar combined with a teaspoon of honey is a tasty and reliable way to stimulate bowel movements.
A half ounce of sesame seeds will also work. You can either chew on and swallow them with a large glass of water, or you can sprinkle them over foods such as a salad or vegetable to add texture and aid in digestion.
There usually isn’t a need for harsh chemical laxatives when you can so easily find natural home remedies for constipation. Try some of our suggestions in the future and determine which one works best for you.
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